Odessa City Council approves divisive restroom ordinance during final vote

ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Odessa City leaders voted Tuesday night to approve a proposed amendment to a City ordinance that surrounds restroom use.

On Tuesday, November 12, community members gathered in City Hall for the Odessa City Council meeting. During the meeting, council members debated and voted for the second time on the approval of an ordinance that would allow police officers to charge anyone who knowingly enters any public or private bathroom, or locker room, of the opposite biological sex, (defined in the ordinance as the sex, or gender, listed on a person's birth certificate.)

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A total of 18 members of the community spoke out during the City Council meeting about the ordinance, some urging the council to reject the proposed amendment because it would do more harm than good, and others telling city leaders to pass it, expressing their support.

Residents in support of the ordinance expressed the need for safety, while residents against the ordinance said it was unnecessary and harmful.

"I don't want the government in the bathroom, and I don't want it at which time, to harm people who aren't even trans. Feminine men? Masculine women? Sometimes you can't really tell from the side or whatever..." one community member said, adding, "I'm so happy that this election was a landslide, and that the city can focus on real issues like infrastructure and the well-being of Odessans."

Previous coverage: City approves divisive restroom ordinance

Other residents in support of the ordinance, expressed the need for safety.

"Safety in my town is a big thing...safety for my kids is a big thing," one man said when addressing City Council members.

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Before the final decision and vote by the City Council, a letter from Kevin Sparks, a Republican Businessman and State Senator for the 31st District, was read aloud by Dan Jones, the City Attorney. The letter from Senator Sparks approved the ordinance and thanked city leaders.

"I commend the mayor and City Council's responsiveness to community concerns, and the effort to preserve the well-being of Odessa's residents," one part of the letter read.

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After a short deliberation between City leaders, Ordinance 8-1-6 was approved.

Steve Thompson, the only city council member re-elected on November 5th, was the only one who voted "no" to the ordinance. Councilman Gilbert Vasquez of District 3 did not attend Tuesday's city council meeting.